Page 28 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

She rises a fraction out of her seat and kisses my cheek. “We’ll be beautiful parents. Also, he’s your son; the result will prove it.”

“You have more faith in the result than me, Chasmin.”

“I have spent time with him, and my guts tell me he’s yours. You have to accept it. I understand your paranoia due to Claudette planting a seed of doubt in your heart. Eric…” The door opens, and the doctor steps in. Chasmin sits back due to the doctor’s presence.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Rosii, and you too, Miss. I have the result here.” He sets the results down in front of me, taking his seat at the head of the table.

He’s an old man with a bald pate and wire-rimmed glasses that makes his eyes look a fraction too big for his face. Chasmin picks up the results and glances at me. “Do the honors,” I reply. She breaks the seal on the envelope, and hope fills my chest. I realize that I really want Eric to be mine this instant.

She brings out a sheet of paper and reads. She has a grave expression on her face and the hope in my chest vanishes.Why did I hope?Claudette is a good liar.

“Lance… it says that Eric is…” She sighs. I’m about to tell her not to bother, but she continues, “Your son at 99.999% assurance.” I must have a stunned look on my face for she laughs, bright and lovely. “Oh my, the look on your face is precious.”

I break out into laughter, joining her. “He’s mine.” I declare gaily. She hands me the paper, and I check to see it’s true. “Time to get him away from the claws of Claudette. Thanks, Doctor Sam,” I say and shake the doctor’s hand. Chasmin and I leave his office.

“We should end this fast, don’t you think?” Chasmin has her phone out. She’s about to dial Claudette.

“Yes. Tell her to meet us at the Fuller Restaurant in an hour.”

“Sure.” She places the call to Claudette, informing her of where we’re to meet.

When we arrive at the restaurant, Claudette is already there with Eric, waiting for us. I glance at Chasmin with helplessness. She shrugs, plastering a smile on her face, especially for Eric. I close the door behind us to ensure our privacy.

“You’re late. No matter…what does the result say? I assume it came back, showing that I spoke the truth.” Her voice is filled with triumph; she has a smug smile on her face. I ignore her, taking a seat by Chasmin well away from Claudette.

“Come here, Eric. I want to see you.” I wave Eric over. He jumps off the seat to come to me, but Claudette grabs him, holding him back.

“What are you trying to do, Lance? Are you trying to take him before honoring our agreement?”

“That’s not it, Claudette. We’d like to see Eric. I miss him and so does Lance.” Chasmin replies, waving a hand at Eric, who returns it enthusiastically.

“My replacement has no place to talk here. You’re his assistant, so be that and stop interfering. I was talking to Lance…”

“If you keep that up, you can kiss this agreement goodbye, Claudette. You have no right to disrespect Chasmin. Apologize now.” I glare at Claudette across the table.

She pouts, looking annoyed. “Lance, there’s no need.”

“No. She must or what she gets from me is smoke.”

Claudette raises a hand. “You can’t even take a joke anymore, Lance. Chasmin, right? I’m sorry for talking to you that way. It’s just that I’m protective of my son. As you can tell, Lance and I created a precious life.” She holds Eric in her arms, protectively.

“We should end this drama. I’ve had enough of it. The result came back, and it proves I’m his father. I will honor our agreement, but before that…” Claudette’s eyes are shining, and she’s unable to suppress her greedy smile. I feel sick remembering that I was once with her.

“What else?” she asks, moving Eric away as before.

I send a message to my lawyer outside the room and he enters. “Sir,” he says and nods in greeting. I acknowledge him by showing him a seat. He sits dutifully.

“Claudette, this is David Barnes, my lawyer.” David places a contract and pen on the desk, sliding it to her. “As you can see, the agreement acknowledges that you are relinquishing all your rights to Eric as soon as you get your payment. Sign it, and you’ll get the money immediately.”

I feel Chasmin’s hand on my thigh, and I smile. Claudette is focused on reading the contract, which gives Eric the chance to run from her to us. He first crashes into Chasmin’s embrace. He sits between us. I pinch his puffed out red cheeks, feeling protective and caring.

“Signed.” I look up at Claudette, seeing her set the pen down. David takes the signed contract from her, nodding to me. “Now, the payment.”

I incline my head toward David; he brings out his phone and completes the transfer to Claudette’s account. “A pleasure doing business with you, Lance. He’s already with you, so you have nothing to get from me now. I’ll take my leave now. See you around.” She rises from her seat, leaving the room without a second glance, laughing as she goes. David follows her out, and I’m left with Chasmin and Eric.

“That went well. We should get Eric clothes and other essentials. I already have a room prepared.”

“You do?” I wasn’t aware she had done that.

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